Najib braves the Jerusalem storm with mature attitude

The recent announcement by Donald J Trump that the US recognises Jerusalem as the capital of Israel should be no cause for alarm. Malaysia has always practised a policy of non-interference in the affairs of other sovereigns. Accordingly, we must respect the views and policies of other governments just as we expect them to respect our views and policies on various issues.

For instance, when Tun Abdul Razak mooted “the Neutralisation of Southeast Asia” in the early seventies, the western civilisation did not interfere or sever its ties with Malaysia despite the proposal being intended to renounce the illegal interference and intervention by big powers in the internal affairs of Southeast Asian nations. The proposal ended with theZOPFAN (Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality) declarationsigned by Foreign Ministers of ASEAN member states in 1971Kuala Lumpur.

Likewise, when Razak became the first ASEAN leader to have the guts to normalise relations between Malaysia and China, he did so with the confidence that the western civilisation would not intervene despite the move being unprecedented in the eyes of the western world. When Najib undertook to further strengthen those relations, he did so knowing that China’s ideological differences with Malaysia was no barrier to the proliferation of joint venture initiatives as the two nations practised mutual tolerance and abided by principles of non-interference.

So you see, Trump is free to adopt any policy he sees fit as long as those policies do not impinge on or violate Malaysia’s sovereignty or interests. While we may be at odds with those policies – just as we are at odds with the pro-communist policies adopted by China – these odds should not get in the way of bilateral relations or the proliferation of joint venture initiatives between our nations.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel by the United States government would not affect the bilateral ties between Malaysia and the US.

He said Malaysia can still work with the US government in many different aspects while holding strong to their principles in objecting the recognition.

“Our relationship with the US is multidimensional and there are many other areas where we can work together on.

“But the principle is that we must stand tall in our stance,” Najib who is also Umno president said at a press conference after his party’s 71st general assembly.

Najib said if the announcement made by US President Donald Trump was implemented, the repercussions might mean more tension and possible serious bloodshed if action is not taken beforehand.

“This pertains to the issue of sovereignty that was set by the United Nations security council resolution.

“It would also complicate the two-states solution,” said Najib in reference to the Israeli-Palestine conflict.

Najib said it was not only the Muslim communities that were upset with Trump’s decision, but said many Christian nations were unhappy too.

When asked what military preparations were in place, Najib said, “We hope that it does not reach the stage that requires military involvement.

“At the moment, it is still at the diplomacy and discussion stage,” he said.

Najib will be attending a special meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Turkey on Dec 13 to discuss the issue.

In his closing speech, Najib said the meeting, convened by Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had led him to postpone the annual leaders” retreat in Singapore.

“President Erdogan called me and asked me to attend. He said the voice of Malaysia is important,” said Najib.

“Coincidentally, I have the annual consultation with the Singapore Prime Minister, and called Lee Hsien Loong to ask for his understanding as this affects not only my faith as a Muslim but the faith of all Muslims.”

The announcement by Trump on Wednesday has caused an uproar among both the Muslims and non-Muslim communities nationwide.

A mass protest was held outside the US embassy on Jalan Tun Razak here yesterday after Friday prayers.